Chevron And Cardigan Bay

Ecologically, Cardigan Bay is a very important area - it is home to one of two known semi-resident populations of Bottlenose Dolphins around the British coast, thousands of seals, half the worlds population of Manx shearwaters, internationally important numbers of gannets, divers, ducks and grebes. A recent survey of the seabed in a small part of the bay found 20 species new to science - it is an incredibly rich and beautiful area, as yet undisturbed by industry. Despite official recognition of the importance of the area the Government has granted licenses to oil companies to drill there. Chevron are one of the companies that has been given a license. Chevron UK (based in London and Aberdeen) will be the first company to drill within the Bay, and they plan to start in Autumn 1996. They have already carried out seismic testing, ignoring the local dolphin population and refuse to carry out an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment). Chevron have an awful environmental record - they have been prosecuted many times for pollution and other misdemeanours in the US, and are involved in Ogoniland, Nigeria (They are the second biggest operator there after Shell). Cardigan Bay Earth First! are going to intensify their campaign to keep the oil rigs out of the Bay and need as much help as possible. For further information about Cardigan Bay contact: Cardigan Bay Earth First!, c/o Box E, Oakridge, Taliesin, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8JW.